Image blur correction camera and method for controlling of image blur correction

ABSTRACT

A used viewfinder determination section determines whether an optical viewfinder is being used or if a liquid crystal monitor is being used, based upon signals from an eye approach detection section. A blur correction operation changing section changes a blur correction operation by a blur correction lens in accordance with determination results from the used viewfinder determination section. When it is determined that the optical viewfinder is not being used, a blur correction operation using the blur correction lens is not carried out.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] The disclosure of the following priority application is hereinincorporated by reference:

[0002] Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-350715 filed Nov. 17, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an image blur correction cameraand a method for controlling of image blur correction for correcting animage blur caused by hand vibration, with an ocular viewfinder and anon-ocular viewfinder.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] In digital still cameras and digital video cameras, it is commonpractice to provide an ocular viewfinder that a photographer peers intowith the eye brought into close contact, in order to confirm aphotographing range, etc., as well as a non-ocular viewfinder that usesa liquid crystal display or the like, in order to confirm thephotographed image without the photographer bringing their eyes close tothe camera. In the case of a camera provided with an ocular viewfinderand a non-ocular viewfinder, the photographer can use the cameraselecting either the ocular viewfinder or the non-ocular viewfinderaccording to conditions or preference.

[0007] If the camera is held in the hands, there is likely to be imageblur due to vibration of the hands. Blur correction cameras providedwith blur correction devices are known for correcting image blur causedby hand vibration, regardless of whether the picture is a still pictureor a moving picture. A blur correction camera detects shaking of acamera due to hand vibration using a vibration sensor or the like, andcarries out blur correction based on detection values. In the case wherea picture is taken using an ocular view finder and the case where apicture is taken using a non-ocular viewfinder, the way in which thecamera is shaken by hand vibration is different. Also, in the case wherea picture is taken using a non-ocular viewfinder, it is common for thephotographer to hold the camera out at arm's length and camera shakingis then quite significant.

[0008] However, a conventional image blur correction camera performs thesame blur correction regardless of whether the photographer is taking apicture using the ocular viewfinder or the non-ocular viewfinder.Therefore, for example, if a blur correction operation is set incorrespondence with camera vibration caused by hand vibration when usingthe ocular viewfinder, it is likely that it will be impossible to carryout blur correction when using the non-ocular viewfinder. Also, even ifimage blur correction is carried out when using the non-ocularviewfinder, there are problems such that it may be performed strangelyand unnaturally.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an image blurcorrection camera that can set a blur correction operation to optimumconditions, regardless of whether a photographer is taking a pictureusing an ocular viewfinder or taking a picture using a non-ocularviewfinder.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, an image blur correctioncamera comprises a photographing optical system, an image-capturingelement that captures a subject image through said photographing opticalsystem a vibration detection section that detects camera vibration, ablur correction section that corrects blur of the image captured by saidimage-capturing element according to detection results of said vibrationdetection section, an ocular viewfinder for observing the subject withone's eyes in close contact, a non-ocular viewfinder for observing thesubject with one's eyes at a distance, a used viewfinder determinationsection that determines which of said ocular viewfinder and saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used and a blur correction operationchanging section that changes operation of said blur correction deviceaccording to determination results of said used viewfinder determinationsection.

[0011] It is preferable that the blur correction operation changingsection suspends operation of said blur correction section in the eventthat said used viewfinder determination section has determined that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used.

[0012] The blur correction operation changing section may engage saidblur correction section to operate, in the event that said usedviewfinder determination section has determined that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used, so that a range over which the image blurcorrection can be carried out becomes wider than that when it isdetermined that said ocular viewfinder is being used.

[0013] It is preferable that said blur correction device includes anoptical blur correction device that corrects image blur by moving amovement member so as to make a change in relative position between thesubject image formed on said image-capturing element and saidimage-capturing element itself; and said blur correction operationchanging section expands a operable range of said movement member so asto expand the range over which the image blur correction can be carriedout, in the event that said used viewfinder determination section hasdetermined that said non-ocular viewfinder is being used. The blurcorrection operation changing section may set a center bias of saidmovement member weakly so as to expand the range over which the imageblur correction can be carried out, in the event that said usedviewfinder determination section has determined that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used. It is preferable that the movement member ispart of said photographing optical system.

[0014] It is possible that the blur correction device includes anelectronic blur correction device that corrects image blur by subjectingimage data generated by said image-capturing element to imageprocessing; and said blur correction operation changing section engagessaid blur correction device to operate so that image blur correction iscarried out by said electronic blur correction device if it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, while image blur correction is notcarried out by said electronic blur correction device if it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidocular viewfinder is being used.

[0015] It is possible that the vibration detection section has anangular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera; andsaid blur correction operation changing section engages said blurcorrection device to operate so that image blur correction is carriedout based on detection results from said angular velocity sensor andimage data generated by said image-capturing element when it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, while image blur correction iscarried out based on detection results from said angular velocity sensorwhen it is determined by said used viewfinder determination section thatsaid ocular viewfinder is being used.

[0016] It is also possible that the vibration detection sensor has anangular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera andan acceleration sensor that detects acceleration of the camera; and saidblur correction operation changing section engages said blur correctiondevice to operated so that image blur correction is carried out based ondetection results of said angular velocity sensor and said accelerationsensor if it is determined by said used viewfinder determination sectionthat said non-ocular viewfinder is being used, while image blurcorrection is carried out based on detection results from said angularvelocity sensor if it is determined by said used viewfinderdetermination section that said ocular viewfinder is being used.

[0017] It is preferable to provide a low-pass filter that passes waveswith frequency lower than a set cut-off frequency; and that said blurcorrection operation changing section switches the cut-off frequency ofsaid low pass filter depending on the viewfinder being used determinedby said used viewfinder determination section. It is preferable that theblur correction operation changing section sets the cut-off frequency ofsaid low pass filter, when it is determined that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used, to a value that is lower than that of when itis determined that said ocular viewfinder is being used. It ispreferable that the vibration detection section has an angular velocitysensor that detects angular velocity of the camera.

[0018] It is desirable that the blur correction device has an opticalblur correction device that corrects image blur by moving a movementmember so as to make a change in relative position between the subjectimage formed on said image-capturing element and said image-capturingelement itself, and an electronic blur correction device that correctsimage blur by subjecting image data generated by said image-capturingelement to image processing; and said blur correction operation changingsection engages said blur correction device to operate so that imageblur correction is carried out by said optical blur correction deviceand said electronic blur correction device, or by said electronic blurcorrection device if it is determined by said used viewfinderdetermination section that said non-ocular viewfinder is being used,while image blur correction is carried out by said optical blurcorrection device if it is determined that said ocular viewfinder isbeing used. The vibration detection section may have an angular velocitysensor that detects angular velocity of the camera; and the optical blurcorrection device carries out image blur correction based on detectionresults of said angular velocity sensor.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, an image blur correctioncamera, comprises an image-capturing element that captures a subjectimage through a photographing optical system; a vibration detectionsection that detects vibration of the camera; a blur correction signaloutput section that outputs blur correction signals to a blur correctiondevice that carries out blur correction of the image formed by saidimage-capturing element according to detection results from saidvibration detection section; an ocular viewfinder for observing thesubject with one's eyes in close contact; a non-ocular viewfinder forobserving the subject with one's eyes at a distance; a used viewfinderdetermination section that determines which of said ocular viewfinderand said non-ocular viewfinder is being used; and a blur correctionoperation changing section that controls said blur correction signaloutput section so as to output the signals for changing operation ofsaid blur correction device depending on determination results of fromsaid used viewfinder determination section.

[0020] It is preferable that the blur correction operation changingsection controls said blur correction signal output section so as tooutput the signals for suspending operation of the blur correctiondevice when it is determined by said used viewfinder determinationsection that said non-ocular viewfinder is being used.

[0021] It is possible that the blur correction operation changingsection controls said blur correction signal output section, when it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, so as to output the signals formaking a range over which the blur correction device is capable ofperforming image blur correction larger than that when it is determinedthat said ocular viewfinder is being used. It is preferable that saidblur correction signal output section outputs the signals so as tochange a range of movement of a movement member included in an opticalblur correction device which makes a change in a relative positionbetween the subject image formed on said image-capturing element andsaid image-capturing element itself for correcting image blur; and saidblur correction operation changing section controls said blur correctionsignal output section so as to output the signals for expanding themoveable range of the movement member to increase a range over whichimage blur correction can be carried out when it is determined by saidused viewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used. It is also possible that the blur correction operationchanging section controls said blur correction signal output section inorder to set center bias of the movement member weakly to increase arange over which image blur correction can be carried out when it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used.

[0022] It is possible to provide an electronic blur correction devicethat corrects image blur by subjecting image data generated by saidimage-capturing element to image processing; and that said blurcorrection operation changing section controls said blur correctionsignal output device so as to output the signals to said electronic blurcorrection device so that image blur correction is carried out by saidelectronic blur correction device if it is determined by said usedviewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used, while image blur correction is not carried out by saidelectronic blur correction device if it is determined that said ocularviewfinder is being used.

[0023] The vibration detection section may have an angular velocitysensor that detects angular velocity of the camera; and said blurcorrection operation changing section controls said blur correctionsignal output section so as to output the signals for image blurcorrection based on detection results from said angular velocity sensorand image data generated by said image-capturing element when it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, and for image blur correction basedon detection results from said angular velocity sensor when it isdetermined that said ocular viewfinder is being used.

[0024] It is also possible that said vibration detection section has anangular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera, andan acceleration sensor that detects acceleration of the camera; and saidblur correction operation changing section controls said blur correctionsignal output section so as to output the signals for image blurcorrection based on detection results from said angular velocity sensorand said acceleration sensor when it is determined by said usedviewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used, and for image blur correction based on detection resultsfrom said angular velocity sensor when it is determined that said ocularviewfinder is being used.

[0025] It is possible to provide a low-pass filter that passes waveswith frequency lower than a set cut-off frequency; and that said blurcorrection operation changing section switches the cut-off frequency ofsaid low pass filter depending on the viewfinder being used determinedby said used viewfinder determination section. It is preferable thatsaid blur correction operation changing section sets the cut-offfrequency of said low pass filter, when it is determined that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, to a value that is lower than thatwhen it is detected that said ocular viewfinder is being used. Thevibration detection section may have an angular velocity sensor thatdetects angular velocity of the camera.

[0026] It is also possible to provide an electronic blur correctiondevice that corrects image blur by subjecting image data generated bysaid image-capturing element to image processing; and that said blurcorrection signal output section outputs blur correction signals to anoptical blur correction device which makes a change in a relativeposition between the subject image formed on said image-capturingelement and said image-capturing element itself using a movement memberfor correcting image blur, and to said electronic blur correctiondevice; and said blur correction operation changing section controlssaid blur correction signal output section so as to output the signalsin order to carry out image blur correction by the optical blurcorrection device and said electronic blur correction device, or by saidelectronic blur correction device if it is determined by said usedviewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used, and in order to carry out image blur correction by theoptical blur correction device if it is determined that said ocularviewfinder is being used. It is preferable that said vibration detectionsection has an angular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity ofthe camera; and said blur correction operation changing section controlssaid blur correction signal output section so as to output the signalsto the optical blur correction device for correcting image blur based ondetection results of said angular velocity sensor.

[0027] In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling ofimage blur correction controls image blur correction in accordance witha predetermined algorithm from a first algorithm and a second algorithm,according to camera vibration.

[0028] It is preferable to control image blur correction in accordancewith the first algorithm if an ocular viewfinder is being used, while tocontrol image blur correction in accordance with the second algorithm ifthe ocular viewfinder is not being used.

[0029] It is also preferable that the first algorithm is an algorithmfor controlling so as to carry out image blur correction; and the secondalgorithm is an algorithm for controlling so as not to carry out imageblur correction.

[0030] It is possible that the first algorithm is an algorithm forcontrolling so as to carry out image blur correction; and the secondalgorithm is an algorithm for controlling so as to carry out image blurcorrection making a range over which image blur correction can beperformed wider than that of image blur correction using the firstalgorithm.

[0031] It is also possible that the first algorithm is an algorithm forcontrolling so as to carry out optical blur correction; and the secondalgorithm is an algorithm for controlling so as to carry out electronicblur correction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blur correctioncamera of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 2A is a drawing showing a photographing posture in the caseof a photographer using an ocular viewfinder.

[0034]FIG. 2B is a drawing showing a photographing posture in the caseof a photographer using a liquid crystal monitor.

[0035]FIG. 3 is flowchart showing a processing procedure for blurcorrection operation control by a CPU of the first embodiment.

[0036]FIG. 4 is flowchart showing a processing procedure for blurcorrection operation control by a CPU of a second embodiment.

[0037]FIG. 5 is flowchart showing a processing procedure for blurcorrection operation control by a CPU of a modified example of thesecond embodiment.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blur correctioncamera of a third embodiment.

[0039]FIG. 7A is a drawing for describing the contents of operation atan electronic blur correction section.

[0040]FIG. 7B is a drawing for describing the contents of operation atthe electronic blur correction section.

[0041]FIG. 8 is flowchart showing a processing procedure for blurcorrection operation control by a CPU of the third embodiment.

[0042]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blur correctioncamera of a fourth embodiment.

[0043]FIG. 10 is flowchart showing a processing procedure for blurcorrection control by a CPU of the fourth embodiment.

[0044]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blurcorrection camera of a fifth embodiment.

[0045]FIG. 12 is flowchart showing a processing procedure for blurcorrection operation control by a CPU of the fifth embodiment

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

[0046] A blur correction camera of a first embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 toFIG. 3. In the first embodiment, description will be given for the caseof applying the present invention to a digital camera carrying outmainly still photography.

[0047]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blur correctioncamera of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, the blur correction camera of the first embodiment comprises ablur correction lens 110, a driver 111, an image-capturing element 120,a vibration detection sensor 130, a storage section 141, a recordingmedium 142, an optical viewfinder 150 constituted of a viewfinderoptical system 151 and an eye-approach detection section 152, a liquidcrystal monitor 160 and a CPU 170. The blur correction camera alsocomprises a monitor switch 181, a half-way push down switch 182 and anall-the-way push down switch 183.

[0048] The blur correction lens 110 is part of a photographing opticalsystem (not shown), and is constituted of a single lens or a pluralityof lenses capable of moving in a horizontal plane substantiallyorthogonal to an optical axis. The blur correction lens 110 is driven bythe driver 111 so as to move in a direction substantially orthogonal tothe optical axis, and causes deflection of an optical axis of thephotographing optical system. The blur correction lens 110 performs blurcorrection by making a change in relative position between a subjectimage formed on the image-capturing element 120, which will be describedlater, and the image-capturing element 120.

[0049] The driver 111 drives the blur correction lens 110 based on adrive signal transmitted from the CPU 170, which will be describedlater. The driver 111 has an actuator (not shown) for driving the blurcorrection lens 110, and a position raw detection sensor (not shown) fordetecting the position of the blur correction lens 110. The position ofthe blur correction lens 110 detected by the position detection sensoris sent to the CPU 170.

[0050] Two drivers 111 are provided for two directions that areorthogonal to each other in order to drive the blur correction lens 110in two dimensional directions, namely in the plane substantiallyorthogonal to the optical axis. Here, only a driver for one directionhas been shown, for simplification.

[0051] The image-capturing element 120 captures an image of the subjectthat has passed through the photographing optical system including theblur correction lens 110, and the captured image is output as anelectrical signal. The image of the subject generated by theimage-capturing element 120 is sent to the CPU 170. The image-capturingelement 120 is comprised of a CCD or the like.

[0052] The vibration sensor 130 detects vibration of the blur correctioncamera caused by hand vibration of the photographer. In the firstembodiment, angular velocity of the camera is detected by an angularvelocity sensor as vibration of the camera caused by hand movement. Thevibration sensor 130 is comprised of angular velocity sensors fordetecting angular velocity of the camera with two directions eachorthogonal to the optical axis as centers.

[0053] A buffer memory 141 temporarily stores finally obtained imagedata. The image data stored in the buffer memory 141 are recorded in therecording medium 142 based on instruction signals from the CPU 170.

[0054] The recording medium 142 is constituted of a non-volatile memory,disk media, tape media, or the like, and is removably fitted to thecamera. The removed recording medium 142 can be connected to a computeretc. and the image may be edited on the computer.

[0055] The optical viewfinder 150 is a so-called ocular viewfinder, fora photographer to optically confirm the photographing range and the likeby looking closely into an eyepiece section, not shown. The opticalviewfinder 150 has a viewfinder optical system 151 and an eye approachdetection section 152.

[0056] The viewfinder optical system 151 is a separate optical systemindependent from the photographing optical system including the blurcorrection lens 110. The viewfinder optical system 151 operates inconjunction with a zooming operation of a photographing lens (notshown), and the viewfinder optical system is constructed so that it ispossible to observe substantially the same range as the range of thesubject image projected onto the image-capturing element 120 by thephotographing optical system, through the eyepiece section.

[0057] The eye approach detection section 152 is provided fordetermining whether or not the photographer is using the opticalviewfinder 150. The eye approach detection section 152 of thisembodiment is provided with, for example, an infrared-emitting diode forirradiating infrared light onto a photographer's eyeball, and an areasensor. The eye approach detection section 152 detects a central pointof a photographer's pupil and a central point of a corneal reflex point,and detects the photographer's line of sight based on the detected pupilcentral point and the central point of corneal reflex point.

[0058] The liquid crystal monitor 160 displays the subject image thathas been captured by the image-capturing element 120. The liquid crystalmonitor 160 is a so-called non-ocular viewfinder that enables monitoringof the subject image without the photographer having to bring his eyesinto close contact with the eyepiece section.

[0059] The CPU 170 controls the operation of the blur correction cameraof this embodiment. The driver 111, image-capturing element 120,vibration sensor 130, storage section 141, eye approach detectionsection 152, liquid crystal monitor 160, monitor switch 181, half-waypush down switch 182 and all-the-way push down switch 183 areelectrically connected to the CPU 170. The CPU 170 integrates cameraangular velocity signals detected by the vibration sensor 130 so as toconvert them into relative angle signals. The CPU 170 then drives thedriver 111 based on the obtained relative angle signals. The blurcorrection lens 110 is moved by the drive of the driver 111 so as tocarry out a blur correction operation. It is to be noted that detectionof camera angular velocity by the vibration sensor 130 and driving ofthe blur correction lens 110 are both carried out along two directionseach substantially orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0060] The CPU 170 executes control programs functioning as a usedviewfinder determination section 171 and a blur correcting operationalteration section 172.

[0061] The used viewfinder determination section 171 determines whetherthe photographer is using the optical viewfinder 150 or the liquidcrystal monitor 160. In this embodiment, the viewfinder being used isdetermined based on detection results of the eye approach detectionsection 152 described above. That is, if it is detected by the eyeapproach detection section 152 that the photographer is looking into theeyepiece section of the optical viewfinder 150, it is judged that theoptical viewfinder 150 is being used. On the other hand, if it is notdetected by the eye approach detection section 152 that the photographeris looking into the eyepiece section, it is judged that the liquidcrystal monitor 160 is being used.

[0062] The blur correcting operation alteration section 172 changes theoperation of the blur correction lens 110 in accordance with theviewfinder being used detected by the used viewfinder determinationsection 171. Operation of the blur correction lens 110 according to theviewfinder used will be described later.

[0063] The monitor switch 181 is operated by the photographer. If themonitor switch 181 is turned on, the liquid crystal monitor 160 is putinto a display state, and if the monitor switch 181 is turned off, theliquid crystal monitor 160 is switched to a non-display state.

[0064] The half-way push down switch 182 is turned on in response to ahalf-way pressing operation of a shutter release button (not shown).When receiving an on-signal from the half-way push down switch 182, theCPU 170 sends an instruction signal for starting a photographingpreparation operation to a photometry section (not shown) and an autofocus section (also not shown) etc. A sequence of photographypreparations such as photometry calculations in the photometry section,and auto focus operation in the auto focus section etc. are commenced.

[0065] The all-the-way push down switch 183 is turned on in response toa further full push down operation of the shutter release button fromthe half-way push down state. When very receiving an on-signal from theall-the-way push down switch 183, the CPU 170 outputs an instructionsignal so as to execute a sequence of photographing operations. Forexample, the CPU 170 takes in an image data captured by theimage-capturing element 120, and temporarily stores the image data inthe buffer memory 141. Then the CPU 170 records the image data stored inthe buffer memory 141 into the recording medium 142.

[0066] The used viewfinder determination section 171 of this embodimentjudges that the optical viewfinder 150 is being used in the event thatthe eye approach detection section 152 detects the approach of the eyes,even if the liquid crystal monitor 160 is in a display state with themonitor switch 181 on. Also, in the event that the eye approachdetection section 152 does not detect the eyes approaching, while at thesame time the liquid crystal monitor 160 is in a non-display state withthe monitor switch 181 off, the used viewfinder detection section judgesthat it is in a no-viewfinder state where the photographer is not usingeither of the viewfinders, and determines that the liquid crystalmonitor 160 is being used.

[0067] It is also possible to determine which viewfinder is used basedon the on/off state of the monitor switch 181, that is, based on thedisplay state of the liquid crystal monitor 160. In this case, the eyeapproach detection section 152 can be omitted.

[0068] The blur correction camera of this embodiment is provided withthe optical viewfinder 150 and the liquid crystal monitor 160, asdescribed above. The photographer can select which viewfinder to useaccording to their preference. However, the amount of vibration of thecamera and the way in which it is shaken due to hand vibration, isdifferent depending on which viewfinder the photographer uses whentaking pictures. The blur correction camera of the present inventionchanges the method of correcting image blur caused by unsteady handmovement depending on the viewfinder in use.

[0069]FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show a photographer using the blur correctioncamera 500 of this embodiment. FIG. 2A shows a photographing posture inthe case of a photographer using the optical viewfinder 150, and FIG. 2Bshows a photographing posture in the case of a photographer using theliquid crystal monitor 160.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2A, if the optical viewfinder 150 is being used,the photographer uses the camera with their eyes close to the eyepiecesection of the optical view finder. As a result, the photographer's faceis almost touching the camera. Also, the photographer's elbows aretucked in to the side, which means that camera vibration due to unsteadyhand movement is slight and the image blur hardly occurs. Accordingly,if the blur correction lens 110 is engaged in moving to perform blurcorrection, it is possible to obtain a high quality image withoutworrying about image vibration at all.

[0071] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the case of using theliquid crystal monitor 160, the photographer's face does not touch thecamera. The photographer's face is at a distance from the camera, andhis elbows are often extended. This means that compared to the casewhere the optical viewfinder 150 is used, the way in which the cameravibrates due to unsteady hand movement is different, and also, theamount of camera vibration is large and it is likely that unexpectedvibration will occur. Further, if the photographer applies excess forcein order to suppress the camera vibration, the vibration will in fact bemore likely to arise. There is a limit to the amount of image blur,namely the amount of vibration of the camera, for which blur correctioncan be carried out by the blur correction lens 110. In the event that anextremely large amount of camera vibration occurs, it is not possible tocarry out sufficient blur correction with only the blur correction lens110. Specifically, even if the photographer intended to carry out blurcorrection, the acquired image will contain the image blur.

[0072] In the first embodiment of the present invention, a blurcorrection operation is carried out using the blur correction lens 110when the photographer is using the optical viewfinder 150. On the otherhand, if the photographer is not using the optical viewfinder 150, thatis, the photographer is using the liquid crystal monitor 160, the blurcorrection operation using the blur correction lens 110 is notperformed.

[0073] The operation of the blur correction camera of the firstembodiment will now be described below. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing aprocessing procedure for a photographing operation and blur correctionoperation control executed by the CPU 170. This processing is started byturning the half-way push down switch 182 on.

[0074] In step S1, it is judged as to whether or not the opticalviewfinder 150 is being used based on detection results of the eyeapproach detection section 152 at the used viewfinder determinationsection 171. If it is judged in step S1 that the optical viewfinder 150is being used, processing advances to step S2.

[0075] In step S2, the blur correcting operation alteration section 172sends a signal to the driver 111 so as to carry out a blur correctionoperation using the blur correction lens 110. At this time, the blurcorrection lens 110 carries out a blur correction operation based ondetection results of the vibration sensor 130.

[0076] On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1 that the opticalviewfinder 150 is not being used, that is, that the liquid crystalmonitor 160 is being used, processing proceeds to step S3.

[0077] In step S3, the blur correcting operation alteration section 172sends a signal to the driver 111 so that the blur correction operationusing the blur correction lens 110 is not carried out. However, it keepsdetecting the angular velocity of the camera using the vibration sensor130.

[0078] Continuing on, in step S4, it is judged as to whether or not theshutter release button has been pressed, namely, whether or not theall-the-way push down switch 183 has been turned on. If it is judgedthat the all-the-way push down switch 183 has been turned on by pressingthe shutter release button, processing proceeds to step S5. On the otherhand, if it is judged in step S4 that the shutter release button has notbeen pressed, namely, that the all-the-way push down switch 183 is off,processing returns to step S1.

[0079] In step S5, capturing the subject image is carried out by theimage-capturing element 120. The captured image data is recorded in therecording medium 142, and the sequence of operations is terminated.

[0080] As described above, the blur correction camera of the firstembodiment of the present invention performs image blur correction usinga blur correction lens when the optical viewfinder is being used. Also,image blur correction using a blur correction lens is not carried outwhen the optical viewfinder is not being used, that is, when the liquidcrystal If monitor is being used. In this way, it is possible to reducethe phenomenon where image blur occurs in an acquired image even if blurcorrection is performed, that arises particularly in the case of takinga photograph using the liquid crystal monitor, and it is possible tocarry out optimum control according to the usage state of theviewfinder.

Second Embodiment

[0081] A blur correction camera of a second embodiment is constructed sothat the extent of movement of the blur correction lens 110 becomeslarge compared to the first embodiment, and the range over which blurcorrection can be performed is increased. The outline of a blurcorrection camera of the second embodiment is the same as the firstembodiment shown in FIG. 1. Description here will mainly focus on pointsof difference from the first embodiment.

[0082] The blur correction lens 110 is part of a photographing opticalsystem (not shown), as in the first embodiment, and is constituted of asingle lens or a plurality of lenses that are capable of movement in aplane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The blur correctionlens 110 of the second embodiment is constructed so as to be capable ofmovement over a wider range than that in the first embodiment. In thisway, it is possible to carry out correction of image blur caused bycomparatively large hand movement in the case of using the liquidcrystal monitor 160.

[0083] The blur correcting operation alteration section 172 of the CPU170 alters the movement range of the blur correction lens 110 accordingto the viewfinder that the photographer is using. When the opticalviewfinder 150 is being used, camera vibration due to unsteady handmovement is comparatively small, and so the operable range of the blurcorrection lens 110 is set to narrow (operating mode 1). If the opticalviewfinder 150 is not being used, that is, if the liquid crystal monitor160 is being used, the operable range of the blur correction lens 110 isset wide (operating mode 2) so as to be able to handle a large amount ofcamera vibration due to unsteady hand movement.

[0084] Operating mode 1 set when the optical viewfinder 150 is used,narrowly restricts the operable range of the blur correction lens 110,which means that the range (size) of hand movement that the blurcorrection lens 110 can cope with becomes small. However, since it ispossible to carry out high precision blur correction in a narrow range,it is possible to improve the quality of the acquired image.

[0085] Operating mode 2 set when the liquid crystal monitor 160 is used,can make the range of hand movement that can be handled by the blurcorrection lens 110 larger, instead of lowering the precision of blurcorrection to a particular level.

[0086] The operation of the blur correction camera of the secondembodiment will now be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing aprocessing procedure for a photographing operation and blur correctionoperation control executed by the CPU 170. This processing is started byturning the half-way push down switch 182 on.

[0087] In step S1, it is judged as to whether or not the opticalviewfinder 150 is being used based on detection results of the eyeapproach detection section 152 at the used viewfinder determinationsection 171. If the affirmative judgement is made in step S1 that theoptical viewfinder 150 is being used, processing advances to step S2-2.

[0088] In step S2-2, the blur correcting operation alteration section172 sends a signal to the driver 111 so that the blur correction lens110 carries out a blur correction operation in operating mode 1.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1 that the opticalviewfinder 150 is not being used, that is, that the liquid crystalmonitor 160 is being used, processing proceeds to step S3-2.

[0090] In step S3-2, the blur correcting operation alteration section172 sends a signal to the driver 111 so that the blur correction lens110 carries out a blur correction operation in operating mode 2.

[0091] Continuing on, step S4 and step S5 are the same as in the firstembodiment described above, and so descriptions of these steps areomitted.

[0092] As described above, the blur correction camera of the secondembodiment of the present invention performs blur correction with anarrow operable range of the blur correction lens when the opticalviewfinder is being used. Also, blur correction is carried out with awide operable range of the blur correction lens when the opticalviewfinder is not being used, namely, when the liquid crystal monitor isbeing used. In this way, it is possible to carry out blur correctionaccording to the viewfinder used. Also, by setting the operable range ofthe blur correction lens narrow when the optical viewfinder is beingused, it is possible to carry out blur correction with the blurcorrection lens controlled with high precision, and it is possible toacquire a higher quality image.

[0093] A modified example of the second embodiment will now be describedin the following.

[0094] With the blur correction camera, when blur correction is carriedout using the blur correction lens 110, a bias towards center may be setin the driver 111 in order to prevent the blur correction lens 110moving up to the physical limit of movement and colliding. With themodified example of the second embodiment, the bias towards center isset in the driver 111, and control is performed so that the centripetalforce by which the blur correction lens 110 is moved towards the centerbecomes stronger as the blur correction lens 110 is moved farther awayfrom the center of the operable range.

[0095] In the modified example of the second embodiment, the strength ofthe center bias set in the driver 111 is altered by the blur correctionalteration section 172 according to the viewfinder used. Depending onwhether the center bias is set strongly or weakly, it is possible tochange the substantial range over which the blur correction lens 110 canbe moved.

[0096]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for aphotographing operation and blur correction operation control executedby the CPU 170 in a modified example of the second embodiment. Thisprocessing is started by turning the half-way push down switch 182 on.

[0097] In step S1, it is judged as to whether or not the opticalviewfinder 150 is being used based on detection results of the eyeapproach detection section 152 at the used viewfinder determinationsection 171. If it is judged in step S1 that the optical viewfinder 150is being used, processing advances to step S2-2 b.

[0098] In step S2-2 b, the blur correction operation changing section172 sends a signal to the driver 111 so that the center bias is stronglyset. If the center bias is set strongly, the effective operable range ofthe blur correction lens 110, namely the range over which blurcorrection can be carried out, becomes narrow.

[0099] On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1 that the opticalviewfinder 150 is not being used, that is, that the liquid crystalmonitor 160 is being used, processing proceeds to step S3-2 b.

[0100] In step S3-2 b, the blur correction operation changing section172 sends a signal to the driver 111 so that the center bias is weaklyset. If the center bias is set weakly, the effective operable range ofthe blur correction lens 110, that is the range over which blurcorrection can be performed, becomes widened.

[0101] Next, step S4 and step S5 are the same as in the above describedfirst embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0102] As has been described above, the modified example of the secondembodiment obtains the same effects as the above described secondembodiment.

[0103] The strength of the center bias is set as to allow movement ofthe blur correction lens so that blur correction in the case of usingthe optical viewfinder can be carried out with high precision, as wellas making it possible to perform blur correction for camera vibrationcaused by unsteady hand movement in the event that the liquid crystalmonitor is used.

Third Embodiment

[0104] In the third embodiment, a description will be given of the casewhere the blur correction camera of the present invention is applied toa video camera for taking moving pictures.

[0105]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blur correctioncamera of the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6, the CPU 170 of the blur correction camera of the thirdembodiment also executes a control program that functions as anelectronic blur correction section 173. A recording start switch 184 isprovided instead of the half-way push down switch 182 and theall-the-way push down switch 183. Sections that are common to the firstembodiment have the same reference numerals attached thereto, and theirdescriptions are omitted.

[0106] The electronic blur correction section 173 performs image blurcorrection for an image to be recorded by outputting an image formed onthe image-capturing element 120 with a displacement in a directionopposite to the direction of the vibration based on the amount ofvibration of the camera. The operating contents of the electronic blurcorrection section 173 will now be described using FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7A, the electronic blur correction section 173uses part of the imageable region A of the image-capturing element 120as an output region B1. That is, the output region B1 being part of theimageable region A, is shown on the liquid crystal monitor 160, andrecorded in the recording medium 142. When the subject image formed onthe imageable region A of the image-capturing element 120 is shifted dueto hand vibration, as shown in FIG. 7B, the electronic blur correctionsection 173 shifts the output region from B1 to B2 in correspondencewith the vibration. The electronic blur correction section 173 comparesoutput values for each pixel output from the image-capturing element 120with previous output values, and detects at what position of theimageable region A the subject image exists. That is, the electronicblur correction section 173 analyzes movement of the subject imageformed on the image-capturing element 120 to detect camera vibration,and causes shifting of the output region so as to follow the movement ofthe subject image.

[0108] The method for shifting the output region so as to follow themovement of the subject image is well known, and detailed descriptionwill be omitted. In this way, the displacement of the subject imagecaused by unsteady hand movement is not represented on the output image.

[0109] As described above, when electronic blur correction is carriedout by the electronic blur correction section 173, only an output regionB which is a part of the imageable region A of the image-capturingelement 120, is output. As a result, the overall number of pixels of theobtained image is reduced, and image quality deteriorates. In the thirdembodiment, the electronic blur correction by the electronic blurcorrection section 173 is only performed in the case where photographingis carried out without the photographer using the optical viewfinder150. In this case, optical blur correction using the blur correctionlens 110 is not performed.

[0110] If the optical viewfinder 150 is not being used, that is, if theliquid crystal monitor 160 is being used, it can be considered that theshift vibration caused by the camera movement parallel to the opticalaxis will occur, as well as the rotational vibration of the camera dueto hand vibration. The electronic blur correction section 173 performscorrection for the image blur caused by rotational vibration and shiftvibration by analyzing image signals generated by the image-capturingelement 120 and carrying out image processing.

[0111] On the other hand, in the event that the optical viewfinder 150is being used, since there is partial contact between the photographer'sface and the camera, rotational vibration of the camera due to handvibration occurs. Angular velocity of the camera is detected by theangular velocity sensor 130, and optical blur correction is performedusing the blur correction lens 110 based on the detected angularvelocity of the camera.

[0112] Photographing operation with the blur correction camera isstarted by turning the recording switch 184 on.

[0113]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for aphotographing operation and blur correction operation control executedby the CPU 170 in the third embodiment. In response to the recordingswitch 184 turned on, photographing and recording operation on the blurcorrection camera are started, and the blur correction operation controlprocess is started.

[0114] In step S1, it is judged as to whether or not the opticalviewfinder 150 is being used based on detection results from the eyeapproach detection section 152 at the used viewfinder determinationsection 171. If the affirmative judgement is made in step S1 that theoptical viewfinder 150 is being used, processing advances to step S2-3.

[0115] In step S2-3, the blur correction operation changing section 172sends a signal to the electronic blur correction section 173 so thatelectronic blur correction is not carried out. If the optical viewfinder150 is being used, only optical blur correction using the blurcorrection lens 110 is performed, without carrying out electronic blurcorrection by the electronic blur correction section 173.

[0116] On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1 that the opticalviewfinder 150 is not being used, processing proceeds to step S3-3.

[0117] In step S3-3, the blur correction operation changing section 172sends a signal to the electronic blur correction section 173 so as tocarry out electronic blur correction. At this time, optical blurcorrection by the blur correction lens 110 is not carried out. It is tobe noted that when taking a photograph without using the opticalviewfinder 150, the output region B that is a part of the imageableregion shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is displayed on the liquid crystalmonitor 160, and recorded in the recording medium 142.

[0118] In step S4-3, it is judged as to whether or not the recordingswitch 184 is turned off. If the affirmative judgement is made in stepS4-3 that the recording switch 184 is turned off, this process isterminated.

[0119] As described above, the blur correction camera of the thirdembodiment of the present invention does not perform electronic blurcorrection by the electronic blur correction section when the opticalviewfinder is being used. When the optical viewfinder is being used, itis possible to acquire a high quality image by carrying out optical blurcorrection using the blur correction lens.

[0120] When the optical viewfinder is not being used, the extent ofcamera vibration is comparatively large, and shift vibration of thecamera also occurs, and it is possible that sufficient blur correctionwill not be carried out by the optical blur correction using the blurcorrection lens. By carrying out electronic blur correction on theelectronic blur correction section, it is possible to correct image blurthat can not be corrected by the blur correction lens.

Fourth Embodiment

[0121]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blur correctioncamera of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourthembodiment, a blur correction camera of the present invention is appliedto a digital still camera, as with the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 9, the CPU 170 of the blur correction camera of the fourthembodiment also executes a control program that functions as anelectronic blur correction section 174. Sections that are common to thefirst embodiment have the same reference numerals attached thereto, andtheir descriptions are omitted.

[0122] The electronic blur correction section 174 performs image blurcorrection by analyzing image signals generated by the image-capturingelement 120 to detect camera vibration and carry out image processing,similarly to the electronic blur correction section 173 of the thirdembodiment. In the electronic blur correction section 174 of the fourthembodiment, image blur correction is performed using a combination ofelectronic blur correction by the electronic blur correction section 174and optical blur correction using the blur correction lens 110.

[0123] The CPU 170 detects rotational vibration of the camera based onthe angular velocity of the camera detected by the angular velocitysensor 130. In response to the rotational vibration of the camera,optical blur correction is carried out using the blur correction lens110. In image data generated by the image-capturing element 120,correction of the image blur attributable to the rotational vibrationhas been carried out using the blur correction lens 110, however,correction of the image blur attributable to the shift vibration is notcarried out yet. The electronic blur correction section 174 thenanalyzes image signals generated by the image-capturing element 120, andcarries out image processing so as to electronically correct image blurcaused by shift vibration. In this way, image blur due to rotationalvibration caused by hand vibration, and image blur due to vibrationwhere the camera moves parallel along two directions each orthogonal tothe optical axis, namely shift vibration, can be reliably corrected.

[0124] If the optical viewfinder 150 is being used, a large portion ofthe vibration of the camera attributable to unsteady hand movement iscaused by rotation of the camera. Therefore, the angular velocity of thecamera is detected by the angular velocity sensor 130 and optical blurcorrection is performed using the blur correction lens 110.

[0125] On the other hand, if the optical viewfinder 150 is not beingused, that is, if the liquid crystal monitor 160 is being used, it canbe considered that shift vibration will occur as well as rotationalvibration of the camera attributable to hand vibration. Then, as well asoptical blur correction using the blur correction lens 110, electronicblur correction by the electronic blur correction section 174 is alsoperformed.

[0126]FIG. 10 is flowchart showing a processing procedure for aphotographing operation and blur correction operation control executedby the CPU 170 in the fourth embodiment. This processing is started byturning the half-way push down switch 182 on.

[0127] In step S1, it is judged as to whether or not the opticalviewfinder 150 is being used based on detection results of the eyeapproach detection section 152 at the used viewfinder determinationsection 171. If the affirmative judgement is made in step S1 that theoptical viewfinder 150 is being used, processing advances to step S2-4.

[0128] In step S2-4, the blur correction operation changing section 172performs setting so that only optical blur correction using the blurcorrection lens 110 is carried out, without performing electronic blurcorrection by the electronic blur correction section 174.

[0129] On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1 that the opticalviewfinder 150 is not being used, that is, that the liquid crystalmonitor 160 is being used, processing proceeds to step S3-4.

[0130] In step S3-4, the blur correction operation changing section 172performs setting so that electronic blur correction by the electronicblur correction section 174 is carried out, as well as optical blurcorrection using the blur correction lens 110.

[0131] Continuing on, steps S4 and S5 are the same as in the abovedescribed first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0132] As described above, the blur correction camera of the fourthembodiment of the present invention does not perform electronic blurcorrection by the electronic blur correction section 174 when theoptical viewfinder is being used, while performing both optical blurcorrection and electronic blur correction when the optical view finderis not being used. In this way, it is possible to reliably detect cameravibration and carry out blur correction with high precision, even if ashift vibration arises as is often in the case when the opticalviewfinder is not being used, that is, when the liquid crystal monitoris being used. Also, since correction of image blur caused by rotationalvibration of the camera is carried out using the blur correction lens110, it is possible to carry out the image processing in the electronicblur correction section 174 in a comparatively short time.

Fifth Embodiment

[0133]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the outline of a blurcorrection camera of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In thefifth embodiment, the blur correction camera of the present invention isapplied to a digital still camera, as in the first embodiment. As shownin FIG. 11, the CPU 170 of the blur correction camera of the fifthembodiment also executes control programs functioning as a referencevalue calculating section 175 and a low pass filter 176.

[0134] A detection signal from the vibration sensor 130 was alsofiltered using a low pass filter in the above described firstembodiment, but the cut-off frequency of the low pass filter was fixedto a specified value. Therefore, it was not possible to carry out blurcorrection for large waves with low frequency generated when thenon-ocular viewfinder is being used. The blur correction camera of thefifth embodiment performs blur correction respectively in correspondencewith hand vibration occurring when using each viewfinder, by switchingthe cut-off frequency of the low pass filter 176 according to theviewfinder being used. Sections that are common to the first embodimenthave the same reference numerals attached thereto, and theirdescriptions are omitted.

[0135] The reference value calculating section 175 calculates areference value for calculating drive signals for driving the blurcorrection lens 110, based on vibration detection signals detected bythe angular velocity sensor 130 and having passed through the low passfilter 176. Camera vibration detected by the angular velocity sensor 130is expressed as a waveform with a particular frequency. As thisfrequency increases, the wave becomes smaller, and the camera vibrationalso becomes smaller. On the other hand, as the frequency becomes low,the wave becomes larger, and camera vibration also becomes larger.Camera vibration is detected by the angular velocity sensor 130 as largewaves with low frequency attributable to hand vibration, and small waveswith high frequency attributable to noise etc. Since it is not necessaryto carry out blur correction in response to high frequency waves causedby noise etc., only large waves with low frequency are allowed to passthrough the low pass filter 176.

[0136] Next, the calculation of the reference value by the referencevalue calculating section 175 will be described briefly. The referencevalue calculating section 175 samples detection values detected by theangular velocity sensor 130 at specified time intervals, and calculatesa center position of the wave amplitude, namely a reference value. Here,the reference value is equivalent to an output value of the angularvelocity sensor 130 with the camera in a resting state. Similarly to thefirst embodiment, the CPU 170 integrates an angular velocity signal fromthe angular velocity sensor 130 using thus calculated reference value soas to convert into relative angle signals. The driver 111 of the blurcorrection lens 110 is engaged to drive in response to thus calculatedrelative angle signal.

[0137] If the sampling interval for detection values of the angularvelocity sensor 130 is always fixed, there may be cases where a 0reference value can not be accurately calculated. For example, in orderto calculate a reference value of a high frequency small wave, detectionvalues are sampled three times at a fixed time interval. If sampling iscarried out at the same time interval as above to calculate a referencevalue of a low frequency large wave, the calculated reference value anddetected values detected by the angular velocity sensor 130 becomeclose, and it is not possible to calculate accurate reference values.

[0138] The sampling interval of the detection values is then changedaccording to the extent of the camera vibration, namely to the frequencyof a wave to be detected by the angular velocity sensor 130. Here, thiscan be achieved by changing the cut-off frequency of the low pass filter176. If the cut-off frequency is set to a high value, the time intervalfor sampling the detection values becomes narrow. Specifically, thenumber of times that sampling is performed in one second is increased.On the other hand, if the cut-off frequency of the low pass filter 176is set to a low value, the time interval for sampling the detectionvalues becomes wide. Specifically, the number of times that sampling isperformed in one second is reduced.

[0139] Blur correction performance is also changed by changing thecut-off frequency of the low pass filter 176. For example, if thecut-off frequency is set low, the sampling interval for the detectionvalues becomes wide, and it is possible to accurately calculate areference value for a large wave with low frequency. Since the samplinginterval is wide, it is not performed on small waves with high frequencyand the response during performing image blur correction is slow,however, for a large wave, namely a large vibration, it is possible tocarry out blur correction reliably. The reference value calculatingsection 175 calculates reference values before commencement of blurcorrection using the blur correction lens 110.

[0140] If the optical viewfinder 150 is being used, camera vibration dueto hand vibration is small, and so the cut-off frequency is set to ahigh value. In this way, it is possible to accurately calculate areference value for a small vibration with high frequency, and to carryout accurate blur correction.

[0141] If the optical viewfinder 150 is not being used, there isnormally a large hand vibration, and the frequency of camera vibrationis low. Therefore, the cut-off frequency is set low so that it ispossible to accurately calculate a reference value for a large wave withlow frequency.

[0142]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for aphotographing operation and blur correction operation control executedby the CPU 170 in fifth embodiment. This processing is started byturning the half-way push down switch 182 on.

[0143] In step S1, it is judged as to whether or not the opticalviewfinder 150 is being used based on detection results of the eyeapproach detection section 152 at the used viewfinder determinationsection 171. If the affirmative judgement is made in step S1 that theoptical viewfinder 150 is being used, processing advances to step S2-5.

[0144] In step S2-5, the blur correction operation changing section 172sets the cut off frequency of the low-pass filter of the reference valuecalculating section 175 to a high value Q1.

[0145] On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1 that the opticalviewfinder 150 is not being used, that is, that the liquid crystalmonitor 160 is being used, processing proceeds to step S3-5.

[0146] In step S3-5, the blur correction operation changing section 172sets the cut off frequency of the low-pass filter of the reference valuecalculating section 175 to a low value Q2. It is to be noted that thecut-off frequency Q1>the cut-off frequency Q2.

[0147] Next, step S4 and step S5 are the same as in the above describedfirst embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0148] As has been described above, blur correction using the fifthembodiment of the present invention is performed with the cut-offfrequency of the low pass filter set to the high value Q1 if the opticalviewfinder is being used, and with the cut-off frequency of the low passfilter set to low value Q2 if the optical viewfinder is not being used.By switching the cut-off frequency of the low pass filter according tothe viewfinder usage conditions, it is possible to carry out accurateblur correction by calculating optimum reference values according to theviewfinder usage conditions.

MODIFIED EXAMPLES

[0149] The blur correction camera of the present invention is notlimited to the above described embodiments, and various modifications asshown in the following are possible, within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0150] (1) In each of the embodiments, a description is given for anexample of a digital still camera for taking still photographs, or avideo camera for taking moving pictures. However, it is also possible toapply the embodiments described with the digital still camera to a videocamera, and conversely to apply the embodiments described with a videocamera to a digital still camera.

[0151] It is also possible to apply the present invention to a cameracapable of taking both still pictures and moving pictures.

[0152] (2) In the fourth embodiment, in the case where the opticalviewfinder 150 is not used, shift vibration of the camera is detectedbased on image signals generated by the image-capturing element 120 andelectronic blur correction is carried out. However, it is also possible,for example, to provide an acceleration sensor in addition to theangular velocity sensor as the vibration sensor 130. The acceleration ofthe camera is detected by the acceleration sensor, and shift vibrationof the camera is detected based on the detected values. In this case, itis possible to omit the electronic blur correction section 174. That is,the rotational vibration and shift vibration of the camera are detectedbased on detected values of the angular velocity sensor and theacceleration sensor, and optical blur correction is carried out usingthe blur correction lens 110.

[0153] (3) In each of the embodiments, the used viewfinder determinationsection 171 determines the viewfinder in use using signals from the eyeapproach detection section 152 or the monitor switch 181. However, it ispossible, for example, to determine the viewfinder in use using apressure-sensitive sensor. It is detected using the pressure-sensitivesensor whether or not the photographer's face has come into contact withthe camera.

[0154] (4) In each of the embodiments, description has been given withan optical view finder as the ocular viewfinder. However, it is alsopossible, for example, to have an ocular viewfinder using a smallmonitor. Also, the non-ocular viewfinder is not limited to a liquidcrystal viewfinder, and it is also possible to use a plasma display orother display element.

[0155] (5) In each of the embodiments, a blur correction device forcorrecting image blur has been described as an optical blur correctiondevice using the blur correction lens 110. However, it is also possibleto use, for example, an electronic blur correction device instead of theoptical blur correction device. It is also possible to use a combinationof an electronic blur correction device and an optical blur correctiondevice.

[0156] Next, the advantages of the blur correction camera of the abovedescribed embodiments will be described.

[0157] (1) By providing a blur correction operation changing section tochange the operation of the blur correction device in correspondencewith the determination results from the used viewfinder determinationsection, it is possible to perform optimum blur correction in responseto hand vibration conditions that differ according to the viewfinderused.

[0158] (2) By having a composition such that blur correction using theblur correction device is carried out if it is determined by the usedviewfinder determination section that the ocular viewfinder is beingused, while blur correction using the blur correction device issuspended if it is detected that the non-ocular viewfinder is beingused, it is possible to prevent the photographer from relying upon blurcorrection in the case that the image blur correction is not carried outeffectively. Also, since blur correction is not carried out when usingthe non-ocular viewfinder, the photographer will use the ocularviewfinder when they wish to prevent image vibration. In this way,camera vibration due to unsteady hand movement is reduced so that imageblur is also reduced.

[0159] (3) In the event that it is determined by the used viewfinderdetermination section that the non-ocular viewfinder is being used, therange over which blur correction using the blur correction device can beapplied becomes large compared to the case when it is determined thatthe ocular viewfinder is being used. In this way, it is also possible tocarry out blur correction when using a non-ocular viewfinder withcomparatively large camera vibration. It is also possible to carry outblur correction with high precision when using an ocular viewfinder withcomparatively small camera vibration.

[0160] Also, when using the ocular viewfinder, the range over which blurcorrection is carried out is small compared to when using the non-ocularviewfinder. That is, in the case that the blur correction device carrieselectronic blur correction, it is possible to output a wider region fromwithin the image formed on the image-capturing element, as an outputregion when the ocular viewfinder is being used. In this way, It ispossible to increase the number of pixels of the image to be output andthus obtain a high quality image.

[0161] (4) In the event that it is determined by the used viewfinderdetermination section that the non-ocular viewfinder is being used, themovement member of the optical blur correction device, namely the centerbias of the blur correction lens, is set weakly. In this way, it ispossible to expand the range over which blur correction using theoptical blur correction device can be carried out. Furthermore, it ispossible to change the range over which blur correction can be performedwith ease without taking a new member etc.

[0162] (5) Electronic blur correction is carried out by the electronicblur correction device, without performing optical blur correction usingthe optical blur correction device if it is determined by the usedviewfinder determination section that the non-ocular viewfinder is beingused, while optical blur correction using the optical blur correctiondevice is carried out and electronic blur correction by the electronicblur correction device is not carried out if it is determined that theocular viewfinder is being used. In this way, It is possible to reliablycarry out blur correction when there is a large hand vibration whenusing the non-ocular viewfinder.

[0163] (6) Image blur is corrected by the optical blur correction deviceand the electronic blur correction device if it is determined by theused viewfinder determination section that the non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used, while image blur is only corrected using the optical blurcorrection device if it is determined that the ocular viewfinder isbeing used. Also, in the event that it is determined by the usedviewfinder determination section that the non-ocular viewfinder is beingused, image blur is corrected based on detection results from theangular velocity sensor and image data generated by the image-capturingelement. In this way, it is possible to carry out high precision blurcorrection when using the ocular viewfinder. When using the non-ocularviewfinder, it is also possible to correct image blur due to shiftvibration of the camera that mainly arises when using a non-ocularviewfinder.

[0164] (7) Image blur is corrected based on detection results from anangular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor if it is determinedby the used viewfinder determination section that the non-ocularviewfinder is being used, while image blur is corrected based ondetection results of the angular velocity sensor if it is determinedthat the ocular viewfinder is being used. In this way, it is possible tocarry out high precision blur correction when using the ocularviewfinder. Furthermore, when using the non-ocular viewfinder, it ispossible to correct image blur attributable to shift vibration of thecamera that mainly arises when using a non-ocular viewfinder.

[0165] (10) If the used viewfinder determination section determines thatthe non-ocular viewfinder is being used, the cut-off frequency of a lowpass filter is set to a low value compared to when it is determined thatthe ocular viewfinder is being used. In this way, regardless of whetherthe ocular viewfinder is being used or whether the non-ocular viewfinderis being used, it is possible for the reference value calculationsection to calculate an accurate reference value so that more accurateblur correction can be carried out.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image blur correction camera, comprising: aphotographing optical system; an image-capturing element that captures asubject image through said photographing optical system; a vibrationdetection section that detects camera vibration; a blur correctionsection that corrects blur of the image captured by said image-capturingelement according to detection results of said vibration detectionsection; an ocular viewfinder for observing the subject with one's eyesin close contact; a non-ocular viewfinder for observing the subject withone's eyes at a distance; a used viewfinder determination section thatdetermines which of said ocular viewfinder and said non-ocularviewfinder is being used; and a blur correction operation changingsection that changes operation of said blur correction device accordingto determination results of said used viewfinder determination section.2. An image blur correction camera of claim 1, wherein: said blurcorrection operation changing section suspends operation of said blurcorrection section in the event that said used viewfinder determinationsection has determined that said non-ocular viewfinder is being used. 3.An image blur correction camera of claim 1, wherein: said blurcorrection operation changing section engages said blur correctionsection to operate, in the event that said used viewfinder determinationsection has determined that said non-ocular viewfinder is being used, sothat a range over which the image blur correction can be carried outbecomes wider than that when it is determined that said ocularviewfinder is being used.
 4. An image blur correction camera of claim 3,wherein: said blur correction device includes an optical blur correctiondevice that corrects image blur by moving a movement member so as tomake a change in relative position between the subject image formed onsaid image-capturing element and said image-capturing element itself;and said blur correction operation changing section expands a operablerange of said movement member so as to expand the range over which theimage blur correction can be carried out, in the event that said usedviewfinder determination section has determined that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used.
 5. An image blur correction camera of claim 3,wherein: said blur correction device includes an optical blur correctiondevice that corrects image blur by moving a movement member so as tomake a change in relative position between the subject image formed onsaid image-capturing element and said image-capturing element itself;and said blur correction operation changing section sets a center biasof said movement member weakly so as to expand the range over which theimage blur correction can be carried out, in the event that said usedviewfinder determination section has determined that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used.
 6. An image blur correction camera of claim 4,wherein said movement member is part of said photographing opticalsystem.
 7. An image blur correction camera of claim 5, wherein: saidmovement member is part of said photographing optical system.
 8. Animage blur correction camera of claim 1, wherein: said blur correctiondevice includes an electronic blur correction device that corrects imageblur by subjecting image data generated by said image-capturing elementto image processing; and said blur correction operation changing sectionengages said blur correction device to operate so that image blurcorrection is carried out by said electronic blur correction device ifit is determined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, while image blur correction is notcarried out by said electronic blur correction device if it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidocular viewfinder is being used.
 9. An image blur correction camera ofclaim 1, wherein: said vibration detection section has an angularvelocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera; and saidblur correction operation changing section engages said blur correctiondevice to operate so that image blur correction is carried out based ondetection results from said angular velocity sensor and image datagenerated by said image-capturing element when it is determined by saidused viewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used, while image blur correction is carried out based ondetection results from said angular velocity sensor when it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidocular viewfinder is being used.
 10. An image blur correction camera ofclaim 1, wherein: said vibration detection sensor has an angularvelocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera and anacceleration sensor that detects acceleration of the camera; and saidblur correction operation changing section engages said blur correctiondevice to operated so that image blur correction is carried out based ondetection results of said angular velocity sensor and said accelerationsensor if it is determined by said used viewfinder determination sectionthat said non-ocular viewfinder is being used, while image blurcorrection is carried out based on detection results from said angularvelocity sensor if it is determined by said used viewfinderdetermination section that said ocular viewfinder is being used.
 11. Animage blur correction camera of claim 1, further comprising: a low-passfilter that passes waves with frequency lower than a set cut-offfrequency; and wherein said blur correction operation changing sectionswitches the cut-off frequency of said low pass filter depending on theviewfinder being used determined by said used viewfinder determinationsection.
 12. An image blur correction camera of claim 11, wherein: saidblur correction operation changing section sets the cut-off frequency ofsaid low pass filter, when it is determined that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used, to a value that is lower than that of when itis determined that said ocular viewfinder is being used.
 13. An imageblur correction camera of claim 11, wherein: said vibration detectionsection has an angular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity ofthe camera.
 14. An image blur correction camera of claim 1, wherein:said blur correction device has an optical blur correction device thatcorrects image blur by moving a movement member so as to make a changein relative position between the subject image formed on saidimage-capturing element and said image-capturing element itself, and anelectronic blur correction device that corrects image blur by subjectingimage data generated by said image-capturing element to imageprocessing; and said blur correction operation changing section engagessaid blur correction device to operate so that image blur correction iscarried out by said optical blur correction device and said electronicblur correction device, or by said electronic blur correction device ifit is determined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, while image blur correction iscarried out by said optical blur correction device if it is determinedthat said ocular viewfinder is being used.
 15. An image blur correctioncamera of claim 14, wherein: said vibration detection section has anangular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera; andsaid optical blur correction device carries out image blur correctionbased on detection results of said angular velocity sensor.
 16. An imageblur correction camera, comprising: an image-capturing element thatcaptures a subject image through a photographing optical system; avibration detection section that detects vibration of the camera; a blurcorrection signal output section that outputs blur correction signals toa blur correction device that carries out blur correction of the imageformed by said image-capturing element according to detection resultsfrom said vibration detection section; an ocular viewfinder forobserving the subject with one's eyes in close contact; a non-ocularviewfinder for observing the subject with one's eyes at a distance; aused viewfinder determination section that determines which of saidocular viewfinder and said non-ocular viewfinder is being used; and ablur correction operation changing section that controls said blurcorrection signal output section so as to output the signals forchanging operation of said blur correction device depending ondetermination results of from said used viewfinder determinationsection.
 17. An image blur correction camera of claim 16, wherein: saidblur correction operation changing section controls said blur correctionsignal output section so as to output the signals for suspendingoperation of the blur correction device when it is determined by saidused viewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used.
 18. An image blur correction camera of claim 16, wherein:said blur correction operation changing section controls said blurcorrection signal output section, when it is determined by said usedviewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used, so as to output the signals for making a range over whichthe blur correction device is capable of performing image blurcorrection larger than that when it is determined that said ocularviewfinder is being used.
 19. An image blur correction camera of claim18, wherein: said blur correction signal output section outputs thesignals so as to change a range of movement of a movement memberincluded in an optical blur correction device which makes a change in arelative position between the subject image formed on saidimage-capturing element and said image-capturing element itself forcorrecting image blur; and said blur correction operation changingsection controls said blur correction signal output section so as tooutput the signals for expanding the moveable range of the movementmember to increase a range over which image blur correction can becarried out when it is determined by said used viewfinder determinationsection that said non-ocular viewfinder is being used.
 20. An image blurcorrection camera of claim 18, wherein: said blur correction signaloutput section outputs the signals so as to change center bias of amovement member included in an optical blur correction device that makesa change in a relative position between the subject image formed on saidimage-capturing element and said image-capturing element itself forcorrecting image blur; and said blur correction operation changingsection controls said blur correction signal output section in order toset center bias of the movement member weakly to increase a range overwhich image blur correction can be carried out when it is determined bysaid used viewfinder determination section that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used.
 21. An image blur correction camera of claim16, further comprising: an electronic blur correction device thatcorrects image blur by subjecting image data generated by saidimage-capturing element to image processing; wherein said blurcorrection operation changing section controls said blur correctionsignal output device so as to output the signals to said electronic blurcorrection device so that image blur correction is carried out by saidelectronic blur correction device if it is determined by said usedviewfinder determination section that said non-ocular viewfinder isbeing used, while image blur correction is not carried out by saidelectronic blur correction device if it is determined that said ocularviewfinder is being used.
 22. An image blur correction camera of claim16, wherein: said vibration detection section has an angular velocitysensor that detects angular velocity of the camera; and said blurcorrection operation changing section controls said blur correctionsignal output section so as to output the signals for image blurcorrection based on detection results from said angular velocity sensorand image data generated by said image-capturing element when it isdetermined by said used viewfinder determination section that saidnon-ocular viewfinder is being used, and for image blur correction basedon detection results from said angular velocity sensor when it isdetermined that said ocular viewfinder is being used.
 23. An image blurcorrection camera of claim 16, wherein: said vibration detection sectionhas an angular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity of thecamera, and an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration of thecamera; and said blur correction operation changing section controlssaid blur correction signal output section so as to output the signalsfor image blur correction based on detection results from said angularvelocity sensor and said acceleration sensor when it is determined bysaid used viewfinder determination section that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used, and for image blur correction based ondetection results from said angular velocity sensor when it isdetermined that said ocular viewfinder is being used.
 24. An image blurcorrection camera of claim 16, further comprising: a low-pass filterthat passes waves with frequency lower than a set cut-off frequency; andwherein said blur correction operation changing section switches thecut-off frequency of said low pass filter depending on the viewfinderbeing used determined by said used viewfinder determination section. 25.An image blur correction camera of claim 24, wherein: said blurcorrection operation changing section sets the cut-off frequency of saidlow pass filter, when it is determined that said non-ocular viewfinderis being used, to a value that is lower than that when it is detectedthat said ocular viewfinder is being used.
 26. An image blur correctioncamera of claim 24, wherein: said vibration detection section has anangular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera. 27.An image blur correction camera of claim 16, further comprising: anelectronic blur correction device that corrects image blur by subjectingimage data generated by said image-capturing element to imageprocessing; and wherein said blur correction signal output sectionoutputs blur correction signals to an optical blur correction devicewhich makes a change in a relative position between the subject imageformed on said image-capturing element and said image-capturing elementitself using a movement member for correcting image blur, and to saidelectronic blur correction device; and said blur correction operationchanging section controls said blur correction signal output section soas to output the signals in order to carry out image blur correction bythe optical blur correction device and said electronic blur correctiondevice, or by said electronic blur correction device if it is determinedby said used viewfinder determination section that said non-ocularviewfinder is being used, and in order to carry out image blurcorrection by the optical blur correction device if it is determinedthat said ocular viewfinder is being used.
 28. An image blur correctioncamera of claim 27, wherein: said vibration detection section has anangular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity of the camera; andsaid blur correction operation changing section controls said blurcorrection signal output section so as to output the signals to theoptical blur correction device for correcting image blur based ondetection results of said angular velocity sensor.
 29. A method forcontrolling of image blur correction, comprising: controlling image blurcorrection in accordance with a predetermined algorithm from a firstalgorithm and a second algorithm, according to camera vibration.
 30. Amethod for controlling of image blur correction of claim 29, comprising:controlling image blur correction in accordance with the first algorithmif an ocular viewfinder is being used, while controlling image blurcorrection in accordance with the second algorithm if the ocularviewfinder is not being used.
 31. A method for controlling of image blurcorrection of claim 30, wherein: the first algorithm is an algorithm forcontrolling so as to carry out image blur correction; and the secondalgorithm is an algorithm for controlling so as not to carry out imageblur correction.
 32. A method for controlling of image blur of claim 30,wherein: the first algorithm is an algorithm for controlling so as tocarry out image blur correction; and the second algorithm is analgorithm for controlling so as to carry out image blur correctionmaking a range over which image blur correction can be performed widerthan that of image blur correction using the first algorithm.
 33. Amethod for controlling of image blur correction of claim 30, wherein:the first algorithm is an algorithm for controlling so as to carry outoptical blur correction; and the second algorithm is an algorithm forcontrolling so as to carry out electronic blur correction.